Stages Theatre Co Sets 2012-13 Season, Begins With DUCK FOR PRESIDENT

The 2012-13 season at Stages Theatre Company (STC) features eight productions for children and young adults, with the selected titles evoking imagination and inspiration. The 29th season includes six original Stages Theatre Company commissions, two plays based on books with Caldecott recognition, as well as four world premiere productions.

“The 2012-13 season provides any number of opportunities for inspiration and imagination. Discovering who you are and where you stand take center stage as awe-inspiring stories and characters come to life. These hallmarks of childhood are alive and well at Stages Theatre Company (STC). We believe it is important to keep these hallmarks available to you and the children in your lives,” says Sandy Boren-Barrett, Artistic Director for STC.

2012-13 productions:

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin, Sept. 21 - Oct. 21, 2012: “We say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he will be the next president of the United States of America.” This barnyard campaign romp makes a stop at Stages Theatre Company this fall when the irresistibly funny duck decides to run for President. Full of recounts and sticky ballots, this hilarious animal twist on an American tradition will delight all ages. Duck for President, a New York Times #1 bestseller, by Doreen Cronin (Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type and Giggle, Giggle, Quack) is a world premiere musical.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Oct. 12 - Nov. 4, 2012: Known as one of America’s greatest novels, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn published in 1885 by Mark Twain, is a powerful story that embodies the search for freedom. Huck Finn’s companion Jim, a runaway slave, provides friendship and protection while the two journey along the Mississippi. Adapted for Stages Theatre Company, this world premiere for ages 8 and up will captivate audiences in the intimate Hopkins Jaycees Studio with limited seating.

Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans, Nov. 16 - Dec. 27, 2012: Joyeux Noel! Celebrate Christmas in Paris with 12 little girls in two straight lines when Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans comes to life at Stages Theatre Company this holiday season. Disaster strikes when everyone, including Miss Clavel, gets the flu…everyone except Madeline. Adapted by Jennifer Kirkeby with music by Shirley Mier, find out why Christmas is the time for magic carpet rides and miracles in this popular musical production for all ages.

Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly by Doreen Cronin, Jan. 18 - Feb. 17, 2013: Take a look at the world from a bug’s perspective. Some dream of being able to stand on their own two feet while others dream about superhero powers. This regional premiere musical, Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly is sure to make us appreciate and respect these tiny creatures. Appropriate for all ages, this production is based on the wildly-popular books by Doreen Cronin, and written and composed by Joan Cushing.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, March 8 - March 24, 2013: “When you go owling you don’t need words or warm or anything but hope.” Take a journey into a mystical, magical, winter wonderland where a father and child take a walk in the woods hoping to spot an owl and are surprised by what they find. This world premiere musical is a ballet-inspired story full of movement and dance. Adapted from the 1988 Caldecott Medal book by Jane Yolen illustrated by John Schoenherr, Owl Moon will delight all ages.

Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth, April 12 through May 5, 2013: Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth received the distinct Caldecott Honor in 2006. Especially for young children ages 3 – 7, this extraordinary story features three siblings who view the world differently when a giant panda, Stillwater, moves into the neighborhood and tells each of them an amazing tale. This world premiere production is in the intimate Hopkins Jaycees Studio with limited seating.

Cinder Edna by Ellen Jackson, April 25 - May 25, 2013: Famous Cinderella and spunky Cinder Edna are neighbors who have the same problem: two stepsisters and a stepmother. In this clever story, follow two very different girls—one uses a fairy godmother, one uses the bus—as Prince Randolph and Prince Rupert try to find the owners of a glass slipper and…a loafer. Who will get their happily ever after and what does that even mean? Find out in Stages Theatre Company’s musical Cinder Edna based on the book by Ellen Jackson, a hysterical adaptation for all ages.

Stages Theatre Company’s Production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr., June 28 through Aug. 4, 2013: Take a magical carpet ride with Stages Theatre Company this summer when Princess Jasmine, Genie and Aladdin embark on an adventure filled with magic and mayhem. The Academy award-winning score includes favorite songs like “A Whole New World,” “One Jump Ahead” and “A Friend Like Me” come discover the lavish journey that awaits your favorite characters. Stages Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is entertaining for all ages.

Tickets go on sale for the general public March 13. To purchase individual tickets, please visit www.stagestheatre.org or call the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, option four, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $12 for children (ages 4-17) with lap passes available for free (ages 0-2) and $5 (ages 3-4); $12 for seniors (ages 60+). Flex pass, grand gathering (for grandparents and grandchildren only) and season subscriber options are available and are currently on sale.

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. We engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 130,000 young people and their families.